‘Our hearts are broken’: Love Island star Sophie Gradon’s parents speak for the first time

Love Island star Sophie Gradon’s parents have spoken out for the first time since her tragic death aged 32, as they admitted their ‘hearts are broken’.

The reality personality, who appeared in the 2016 second series of the ITV2 dating show, was found dead in Ponteland, Northumberland, last Wednesday.

Her parents, Colin and Deborah Gradon, said in a statement to the Press Association: ‘It has been one week since we lost our precious daughter and we as a family are still coming to terms with our sudden loss. Our hearts are broken.

Heartbreaking: Love Island star Sophie Gradon’s parents have said their ‘hearts are broken’ following her death aged 32

‘We wish to say our goodbyes to Sophie in private so we ask that you respect our family’s privacy during this arduous time.’

Sophie passed away last week, in what has since been reported as a suicide, after she frequently posted about her battles with anxiety and depression.

At the time, a spokesperson from Northumbria Police told MailOnline: ‘At about 8.27pm yesterday police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased.

‘There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner.’

Tragic: The reality star, who appeared in the 2016 series of the ITV2 dating show, was found dead in Ponteland, Northumberland, last Wednesday

Friends of Sophie have since revealed that she was suffering from depression and anxiety, which had been worsened in recent weeks by financial issues.

Numerous celebrities and friends have since paid tribute to the former beauty queen on social media, including her Love Island co-stars Olivia Buckland, Kady McDermott, Emma-Jane Woodhams and Malin Andersson.

Love Island host Caroline Flack tweeted that Gradon was ‘such a beautiful soul… such a beautiful smile… thoughts and love with friends and family @sophiegradon.’

Bosses at ITV said in a statement: ‘The whole ITV2 and Love Island team are profoundly saddened to hear the news about Sophie, and our deepest sympathies and thoughts go to her family and friends.’

Devastating: Tributes poured in from her former Love Island co-stars, with one half of that year’s winning couple, Cara de la Hoyde, writing on Twitter that her ‘heart was broken’

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